Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Statewide Recycling Services almost $16,000 for breaching its EPA licence by allowing offensive odour to move beyond the boundary of its Panmure premises.
EPA South West Region Manager, Carolyn Francis, said EPA launched its investigation into the site at 729 Warrumyea Rd, Panmure, following reports from the community.
“EPA officers attended the site on two occasions on Wednesday 7 February and Thursday 15 February 2018,” Ms Francis said.
“The odour was detected and confirmed by EPA officers, and was described by community members as a very strong rotten dead animal smell that made them feel sick,” Ms Francis said.
Ms Francis said it is extremely disappointing that a business within a small community has failed to manage the composting of its waste in a way that ensures it does not impact the surrounding residents and their enjoyment of their own homes.
Statewide Recycling has an EPA licence which requires that no offensive odours are to be emitted beyond the boundary of the premises. EPA licences are in place to make sure that businesses are held accountable for activities and impacts on the environment.
“Composting reduces the amount of organic waste to landfill. However, the process needs to be appropriately managed so it does not impact on the lives of residents in the surrounding community,” Ms Francis said.
Statewide has indicated it will no longer receive some higher risk wastes to the Panmure site due to the contribution to odour it can have.
Ms Francis said EPA would continue to monitor the site to ensure compliance with all conditions of its EPA licence occurred.
The company has been fined $15,858. Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, the company has the right to have the decision to issue the infringement notices reviewed or alternatively to have the matter heard and determined by a court.
EPA urges members of the public to report suspected pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au